Spike and the Impalers Rock Edmonds

Just give me that old time rock 'n' roll!

I asked, and Spike and the Impalers delivered.

And how.

Their show on Saturday at the started out high energy with the band's signature version of "Sin City," and just kept giving the audience more of the same.

The show kicked off with an incredible new talent, 11-year-old Caspian Coberly. The youngest guitarist to ever be endorsed by Fender, he opened the show with a Hendrix-inspired "The Star-Spangled Banner" that brought me right back to Max Yasgur's farm and Woodstock on that hot August weekend in 1969.

The regulars put on a pitch-perfect performance, with Spike O'Neill hitting even the difficult notes spot on. The band's young stud guitarist, 20-year-old Aaron Balsley, was phenomenal. He really hit his stride last night, combining an over-the-top stage presence with truly incredible guitar riffs. Watch this guy.  He's going places.

The band is famous for surprises, and last night was no exception.

Special guests included Steve Fossen, original bassist for Heart, and Somar Macek. Macek performs regularly with the original members of Heart, providing powerful vocals that pay fitting tribute to the Wilson sisters. Last night she belted out a rendition of Heart's "Magic Man" that brought the audience to its feet, clapping and singing along.

But the big surprise for me was when Bob Rivers, local radio host and founder of the band along with his on-air partner O'Neill, brought out his special guest. Recently stopping for an impromptu haircut, Rivers struck up a conversation with his stylist, Katie Lucia, and found out she could sing. He tried her out with the band, and the result was amazing.

Yes, she can sing—very well—and proved it with an over-the-top rendition of Led Zeppelin's "Black Dog" that had the audience screaming for more. Another one to watch.

The Edmonds Center for the Arts draws audiences from all over the region. Joaleen Ainsley of Tacoma came with three generations of her family. A fan of Bob Rivers since his KISW days in the 1980s, Ainsley, her daughter Jennifer and grandchildren Isabella and Myah said they follow the band everywhere and rarely miss a concert.

Closer to home, Brooke Baker, owner of Edmonds' , was attending her first Spike and the Impalers concert. Earlier in the evening, displaying some well-known Edmonds friendliness, she served fish tacos to young Coberly.

ECA manager Jim Kristian said he loves the band. "I've been here three years," he said, "and the Spike and the Impalers concert is always a highlight." It was a big night for the lobby vendors, too.

ECA bartender Bill Kolden was busier than usual. "This is a thirsty crowd," he said.

All in all, it was a great night for rock 'n' roll in Edmonds.